NELSON, Keith Douglas

It is with deep sadness that Keith’s loving wife Doreen, his daughter Jamie (Cam, Mitchell, Jacob) and son Jody (Wendy, Cade) announce the passing of their amazing and beloved husband and father on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the age of 72 after his courageous battle with cancer.

Keith was born in Brooks, Alberta August 11, 1940 and moved several times within Alberta in the early years due to his father Ted’s work and finally settled in Leduc, AB. Keith met and married his beautiful wife Doreen, of 48 years, in Leduc Alberta. After the birth of their two children Jamie and Jody, Keith moved his family to Calgary Alberta where he worked in the crane and construction industry until he retired in 2009. Keith’s passion and skill for construction allowed him to continually build and add to an already welcoming and loving home that he and Doreen created over the years. Keith’s other passions include camping in his motor home (“The Bus”), boating with his children and grandchildren, Sunday dinners with his family and salmon fishing with Doreen. Keith’s overwhelming love and support for his grandsons Jacob and Mitchell was continually displayed by his persistent attendance at most every sporting and school events. Keith’s incredible strong will, determination and love for his family allowed him to endure the battle far beyond all expectations.

Keith is also survived by his brothers Roy (Mickey) and Leonard (Marion); his brother-in-law Bob Gehlert; and sister-in-law Debby Gehlert.

Condolence Messages

Keith will be sadly and deeply missed – my deepest condolences to Doreen and his family. I will miss Keith as a great neighbor. He was always pleasant and more than willing to lend a hand when I needed it (from replacing lawnmover blades to coming to my aid with my rusted on license plates). Together with Doreen, they were my ‘snow angel’ team, no matter how cold it was or how heavy the snow. Keith was well liked and respected by his neighbors – there will certainly be a void in the neighborhood and we will miss him dearly.

Doreen and family, please accept our heart felt best wishes at this very difficult time. I remember Keith both from acadia and in the crane business. I remember Glen Bosch always saying to me, I wish we had more parents like the Nelsons, when Jody played for the blackhawks in minor bantam hockey. I told Glen at that time, all you have to do is look at the makeup of Jody and you knew what great parents he had. It was an absolute pleasure for Glen and myself to coach Jody.
Take care Nelson family and RIP KEITH.
MOE WATSON AND FAMILY.

To Doreen and family
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Kieth, but they have Cranes in Heaven and I just know that Kieth will be operating one or organizing them.
I first met Kieth in 1969 when i was working for Hulburd’s Crane on Center and Barlow and Atlas was above them on the hill. He would drive by Hulburd’s in his new American 40 ton with a big smile on his face.
I think he was kinda gloating because most of us were Operating older junk LOL. Over the years I worked for him many times and when I worked for the Union I had many spirited conversation’s with him LOL.
He was a man that sometimes came across a lil crabby BUT he always did the right thing. He was always straight and too the point and cared very much for his employee’s.
If you drive around Calgary, I will challenge any one to find a street that Kieth Nelson had not been down. He made his Mark in Calgary and Alberta in the Crane Industry. The term is ICON.
Kieth Nelson was a man of Family, Company Dedication, Honor, and a man of great character. He will not be forgotten. These words are the highest compliment I can pay to any man.

Our lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide…

Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan
And though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest…

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why—
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

With Deepest Sympathy

Harold & Nancy

We are unable to attend the funeral, but we will be praying for you. God Bless.

My deepest thoughts are with you Doreen and your family. I thought so much of Keith and enjoyed my sessions with him a great deal. His strength and courage amazed me everytime I saw him. The first time I met Keith, I thought, what a happy, smiling man. I did not realize that he was hard of hearing and just smiled and chuckled at whatever I said. From that day on I learned to adjust my voice to “loud”. Still, he smiled and chuckled at everything I said! What a dear sweet man who spoke of his wife and children and grandchildren at every visit. He loved you all so much. I will miss Keith but to know that he is with the best healer, father, friend and teacher gives great peace. I offer you all my deepest sympathies.
Warmest regards
Shellan Kinvig
Keith’s Natural Therapist